HEALTH BULLETINS

Are You Suffering from ? IDENTIFYING & TREATING THIS COMMON CONDITION

Most of us have experienced facial redness, whether it’s from a , blushing, or an allergic reaction. Redness in the face that lingers, however, could be a sign of a called rosacea (pronounced ro-ZAY- shah). Rosacea often starts as redness or on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Sometimes the skin Talk with your may feel warm to the touch, have a burning sensation, doctor if you have or be itchy. any concerns about your health. Over time, many people with rosacea may develop small Rosacea often comes and goes in blood vessels on the skin of their face or red bumps that cycles. Symptoms can flare up and look like . It most often affects women ages 30 to 60 then diminish, only to return later. It’s important to pay and it’s more common among people who have fair skin. attention to the things that trigger rosacea. Sunlight, In an extreme form, it can thicken the skin on the nose, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and hormonal fluctuations causing the nose to appear larger or swollen. This is are common triggers. much more common in men. Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated, swollen and red eyes. Some doctors are studying the role of molecules called . These work like natural CAUSES & TREATMENT in the skin, killing some bacteria. But they also trigger the body’s immune system. Scientists have The causes of rosacea aren’t completely understood, discovered that some people with rosacea make too but a combination of genetic and environmental factors many antimicrobial peptides. This discovery could are thought to play a role. Studies show that rosacea eventually lead to new treatments. involves issues with the body’s immune system. Experts have learned that rosacea is a problem with how the skin Right now, there are several doctors can senses the outside environment. The immune sensing prescribe to treat rosacea. Some work by affecting system in the skin is too sensitive. the microbes that live on the skin. Others help reduce

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redness by constricting blood vessels in the face. Laser therapy may help reduce the redness of enlarged blood vessels, but is not a permanent treatment. It may need to be repeated to maintain the improved appearance it provides for the skin.

If you have symptoms of rosacea, a doctor who treats skin disorders, called a dermatologist, can help.

COPING WITH ROSACEA

» To determine triggers, keep a written record of what seems to make your rosacea worse. » Use (SPF 30 or higher) every day. » Use a moisturizer on your face if it helps. But avoid products that irritate your skin. » Consider trying makeup with a green tone and matte finish to reduce the appearance of skin redness. » Rosacea can be distressing as you may feel embarrassed or anxious about your appearance or frustrated by other people’s reactions. Talk with your health care provider for support and resources that can help.

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